Chiang Mai not only became the capital and cultural core of the Lanna Kingdom, it was also to be the center of Buddhism in northern Thailand Chiang Mai is one of the few places in Thailand where it is possible to experience both historical and modern Thai culture coexisting side by side : the city features centuries-old pagodas and temples next to modern convenience stores and boutique hotels. This dichotomy is best appreciated within the moat-encircled old city, which retains much of the fortified wall that once protected the city center as well as the four main gates that provided access to the former Lanna capital city.
Chiang Mai is a cultural and religious hub, the old town alone has 121 temples which are open to the public. Chiang Mai is also the gateway to local hill tribe villages of Karen and Mon ethnicities. The people of Chiang Mai are proud of their city and its history as a separate Kingdom before Siam was unified.